Financial Assistance

We are committed to ensuring all girls have the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts. To remove financial barriers that may interfere, we offer limited funds to help members who would be unable to join in Girl Scout activities without financial support. Troops are encouraged to facilitate girl-led financial planning for their activities which can include Fall Product and Cookie Program sales, and money earning activities.

Girl members and Adult volunteers can request support for GSUSA membership registration fees. In addition, only parents or guardians can request financial assistance for girl members in the following areas.

Membership dues (once per membership year)
Uniform Essentials (once per level)

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At Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, every girl belongs. We’re committed to keeping membership accessible and affordable. Below, you’ll find flexible payment options, how to request Financial Assistance (FA), and clear next steps so your family can choose what works best.

How to Apply for Financial Assistance:

When purchasing or renewing a membership in myGS, when selecting your payment type, use the dropdown option of “Financial Aid.”

Types of Financial Aid Available:

Troop Treasury Support (For Families & Leaders)

Troops can use their treasury to pay for girl and adult memberships. We encourage troops to use funds to renew members and keep Girl Scouting affordable.

Troop supporting volunteers (leaders, product managers, treasurers, drivers, and more) are valid troop expenses.
Adult volunteer memberships should be covered by the troop treasury. This is an operational expense of running the troop.
If a troop agrees to cover a membership, the troop leader can renew member online via myGS or can contact the Helpdesk to complete payment.
For renewing members who submit an FA application to be considered (unless they are using pay-over-time), the associated troop must have a recent (within 12 months) GSHOM Finance Report on file from the date of application.

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Help Desk: [email protected] | 800-497-2688

Pay Over Time (recommended)

Make membership manageable by splitting the cost into 4 payments. A great choice for families and a smart way for our council to use resources wisely so more girls can participate.

Why we recommend this: Pay Over Time helps families plan and helps GSHOM steward community funds to support girls who need additional assistance.

Request Financial Assistance

If your family needs support, Financial Assistance is available. You’ll be asked to pay at least $5* today, and we invite families to contribute more if they’re able, every dollar stretches our shared resources to reach more girls. *This payment can only be accepted via financial assistance form; cash or check are unable to be accepted. This is a non-refundable deposit.

What happens after you apply?

You’ll receive an email (typically within 3 business days) with your approval status and the amount awarded, or next steps if we’re unable to approve the request.
Your $5 minimum payment is credited toward membership.

If $5 today is a hardship: Please email [email protected] so our team can review extenuating circumstances and support you.

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How do I set up monthly payments?
Use our Pay Over Time option. You’ll split the membership fee over multiple months for a more flexible, manageable schedule. Please select “financial aid” as payment type to set up pay over time.

How long will a financial assistance (FA) decision take?
Most families receive a response within 3 business days with an approval decision and amount awarded, or next steps.

Why did GSHOM update its FA policy?
Last year, GSHOM subsidized over $100,000 in membership dues. With a GSUSA national fee increase, we’re updating our approach so FA remains available for members who need it most, now and in the future.

Is the FA fund running low?
Increased dues mean GSHOM pays a higher share for fully funded FA memberships (per member). We continue to raise funds locally so girls can participate. Gifts to our Sister to Sister Fund help ensure every girl has a place in Girl Scouts.

What factors are taken into account when awarding FA?

Financial circumstances are complex, so a variety of information is considered when awarding FA. All information provided on the request form is critical to our ability to award assistance to those requesting.

Is FA based on income?
Income is one factor we consider, alongside other circumstances, as we work to support members and use limited resources wisely.

Is FA based on zip code?
No. We evaluate each request individually based on family need and available council resources.

Will membership dues increase next year?
GSUSA has announced the Girl Registration fee will increase to $65 for the 2026–2027 membership year. GSHOM’s Board has voted not to increase the $20 Council Service Fee for that year. Therefore GSHOM’s 2026-2027 girl membership will cost $85.

If Financial Assistance Is Denied (Your Next Steps)

If FA isn’t approved, you still have paths to membership:

1. Ask your troop if they can cover the membership (leader call Helpdesk to process).

2. Pay the balance in full

3. Choose Pay Over Time

Your initial $5 payment remains credited toward your membership.

Accessibility & Support
We’re here to help by phone, email, or in person. If online payment isn’t possible, staff can assist you by phone to complete an FA application (including the $5 minimum) using a credit card or bank information. For any extenuating circumstances, email [email protected].