Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) is committed to ensuring that all Girl Scout members participate in Girl Scouting regardless of socioeconomic status. Financial assistance is part of our council's continuing investment in leadership experiences for girls and adults.

• Financial assistance is available only to Girl Scout members registered with Girl Scouts San Diego-Imperial Council.
• Financial assistance is carefully considered and the amounts offered will be based on the level of financial need and available funds in the annual financial assistance budget.
• Financial assistance is provided on a sliding scale and recipients may be responsible for covering any remaining costs not covered by the assistance.
• You only apply for financial assistance one-time in a membership year (Oct 1 - Sept 30) and your eligibility status, once approved, will be applicable through that membership year. Financial assistance does not automatically renew for a new membership year.
• Financial assistance for membership: Priority will be given to individuals registering as Girl Scout members for the first time.
  • Note for renewing members - Girl Scout troops are encouraged to budget for financial assistance for girl membership registration, activities, program fees, awards/recognitions, and adult leadership enrichment, from their fall product and cookie proceeds.
• Requests for retroactive or reimbursement of funds will not be considered.
• When a Girl Scout family applies for financial assistance, their application is carefully reviewed to determine eligibility and the level of support needed. Based on this review, a specific percentage of financial aid will be awarded. The approved assistance will be applied towards the following eligible expenses:
  • Council-sponsored programs, e.g., camp, weekend camp programs, events/workshops hosted by Girl Scouts San Diego*
  • Council-sponsored training*
  • GSUSA uniform (Sash, Vest, Tunic)
  • GSUSA insignia (Council ID, Flag, Troop numbers, Insignia tab, Membership Pin, WAGGGS Pin)
  • GSUSA membership dues**
  • GSUSA destinations

Financial assistance funds must be used within the designated timeframe. Unused funds will be forfeited and do not roll over to future events or programs. Additionally, failure to attend an event or activity for which financial assistance was applied -without prior notification - may result in the loss of future financial assistance eligibility.

Once your financial assistance has been applied, if you still have a balance due, you'll have 15 business days to complete your payment. If payment isn't received within that timeframe, we may need to remove you from the program or event. If you anticipate any difficulties meeting the payment deadline, please contact Customer Care at customercare@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0821 as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

To verify income, each parent/guardian in the household must submit documentation for every income source listed below. Note: If you submit a Social Security document for income verification, please make sure to completely block out your Social Security numbers. All information is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with troop leaders, volunteers, or anyone outside of the Financial Assistance Committee. If you would like to submit the forms in-person or are unable to provide any of the documents listed below, please contact Customer Care at customercare@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0821.

• Two most recent pay stubs
• Social Security Income Award Letter
• State Disability Insurance Award Letter
• Unemployment Insurance Statement

This information helps us provide fair and consistent support to all families — and all details are kept confidential and used only for assessing eligibility. We've updated our Financial Assistance process to make it more fair and more consistent for everyone. By asking for income verification, we can ensure that support goes to the families who need it most — and that we're able to help as many people as possible. Why does this matter? Because we want to make sure every family has a fair chance to access programs and support. By understanding each family's needs, we can:

• Provide assistance where it's needed most
• Stretch our resources to help more families
• Ensure our process is transparent and equitable for everyone

• Complete one form per household to apply for financial assistance.
• Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event/workshop for which the applicant is requesting financial assistance. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing. For summer camp requests, processing may take up to two weeks.
• If you have questions or concerns, please contact Girl Scouts San Diego Customer Care at 619-610-0821 or customercare@sdgirlscouts.org

*To request financial assistance for a council-sponsored event or training, you must first register for the event through gsEvents. At checkout, select "Apply for Financial Aid" under "Choose payment options". This will reserve your spot while your request is being reviewed.

**To request financial assistance for Girl Scout membership, complete membership registration. At checkout, under "Choose a payment type" select "Financial Aid" in the drop-down menu.

Please submit income verification all parents/caregivers named on this form.

Choose one of the following for each parent/caregiver:

• Two most recent pay stubs
• Social Security Income Award Letter
• State Disability Insurance Award Letter
• Unemployment Insurance Statement

Note: If you submit a Social Security document for income verification, please make sure to completely block out your Social Security numbers. If you would like to submit the forms in-person or are unable to provide any of the documents listed below, please contact Customer Care at customercare@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0821.

 

I have read and understand the Philosophy, Guidelines, and Qualifications for Girl Scouts San Diego's Financial Assistance. I certify that the above information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that I, along with other adults listed, do not have additional income not represented above. I agree, if necessary, to send additional information and documentation to support the above statements. I understand that financial assistance is awarded based on available funds. I understand that if I falsify any of the above information, I will not be eligible for assistance now and/or in the future.