Girl Scouts of the USA historically has relied on a self-generating funding system. But as it approaches the century mark, a sweeping organizational transition will mean a new focus on fundraising and an enhanced partnership with its local councils around

By David Mckenna

Cloninger notes that GSUSA is diversifying its fundraising efforts and seeking more contributed income largely because its demographics are changing as it grows. Roughly 20 percent of its members are from low-income families that often can’t afford to pay membership dues, buy Girl Scouts uniforms or help with any of the other self-generating funding sources that the organization once took for granted.