Hi folks,
As promised, here's an update on the Troop Committee's discussion around the new BSA National Membership fees (AKA "recharter fees") from the last couple of committee meetings
Most of you have seen the email dated 9/12/2019 9:55 PM with the subject, "[T324] IMPORTANT: affects fundraising for ALL". If you haven't, you need to go back and read that. It describes some changes to the Troop Policies authorized at the September Troop Committee meeting. To recap the highlights:
The Troop Committee voted unanimously to pass a motion last night. Here is the text of that motion:
Every Scout should help with fundraising to support Troop operations and to pay their own way in Scouting; however, there are members who are not contributing. While reasons vary for this, the Troop still needs those folks to support Troop operations. Therefore, the Troop policies will amended such that:
- There are no longer discounted dues - dues are $50/year.
- Upon joining the troop, $100 covers dues & recharter for first year.
- After joining, the Troop budget will pay the recharter for every youth who meets the Troop fundraising minimum. Everyone still pays dues.
- Effective immediately, each youth who does not sell the fundraising minimum in a calendar year must pay $200 by the end of the following January ($50 recharter + $50 dues + $100 fundraising participation fee) to continue in the program as a chartered member of Troop 324.
There was additional discussion at the October Committee Meeting. An additional policy amendment would be added:
- Eagle Scouts under the age of 18 will pay a $50 Eagle Scout troop membership fee only.
The Committee encourages these Eagle Scouts to make their training and experience an example, and make their rank and influence count for better scouting in their troop.
In the November Committee Meeting, it was pointed out that the fundraising incentive structure that awards Scout shares has been somewhat misapplied over the last few years. Beginning in 2020, the fundraising structure will be revamped and simplified.
- The fundraising minimum is still only $300. We will assume that the Popcorn Kernel has been
awesome (as usual) and the Troop is receiving a 34% split from the Denver Area Council (DAC).
- The Scout Share will now be calculated as 50% of the total to troop from DAC on total sales over the minimum.
For example, let's say that Johnny Scout sells $680 (total sales) in popcorn.
- The total to troop from DAC is 34% of $680, or $231.20
- The amount over the $300 minimum is $380 ($680 - $300)
- Half of 34% is 17%
- Scout Share is 17% (50% of the troop split from DAC) of $380 (amount over minimum), which is $64.60
- Incoming Troop funds = Total to Troop – Scout Share ($231.20-$64.60), which is $166.60
To get a Scout Share, Scout must *sell* more than $300 in popcorn.
If a Scout sells $200 and gets a $100 donation, then they make the minimum - so they don't have to pay the
$50 recharter + $50 dues + $100 fundraising participation fee - but they don’t get a share.
This keeps the fundraising in line with IRS rules: there are incentives to the youth, but we will not maintain
Individual Scout Accounts (ISA), which got many units in trouble. It also keeps the burden off of the Scout
families, as the Scout share allows the Scout to pay his own way.
As always, if there are questions or concerns, please talk to Ray.
YIS,
Ray