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

“Also, as a social-service agency,” she concludes, “we need for philanthropy to come in and join with the self-generated revenue system that we’ve got. We can’t count on being able to continue to grow exclusively through membership dues.”

David McKenna is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer whose last story for FS was the March cover “Social Engagement” on international anti-hunger and poverty organization Mercy Corps.