Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program Event

Q:  How can I purchase Girl Scout Cookies?

A:  The best way to purchase Girl Scout Cookies is from local Girl Scouts. 

To find them, contact Girl Scouts of Lac Baie Council at 1-800-236-4475. 

Q:  Why do Girl Scouts sell cookies?

A:  The Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program Event is an important part of Girl Scouting.  Not only does it fund programs and activities, but it teaches girls important life skills such as learning to set goals, handling money responsibly, customer service and following through with a commitment.  The wonderful thing about the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program Event is that it raises critically needed funds in a way that provides girls with a positive experience that develops character and skills.

  The Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program Event is a Girl Scout program activity just like camping, service projects and earning badges.  Like other Girl Scout activities, the Cookie Sale is a way to achieve the Four Program Goals for girls.  It provides girls with opportunities to learn new skills, to plan together, to set individual and Troop goals and to have fun!  The Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program Event is and always has been a service project for girls (i.e., raising funds for programs).

Q: Why aren't all Girl Scout Cookies the same retail price?

A:  With the realignment of our neighboring six councils (Girls Scouts of Birch Trails, Wausau, WI; Girl Scouts of the Fox River Area, Appleton, WI; Girl Scouts of Indian Waters Council, Eau Claire, WI; Girl Scouts of Manitou Council, Sheboygan, WI; Girl Scouts of Peninsula Waters, Marquette, MI; Girl Scouts of Woodland Council, Wisconsin Rapids, WI) fast approaching, cookies will most likely be sold at the same price among all seven councils within the next two years.  However, for the time being, the Board of Directors determined in 2005 to increase the cost of Girl Scout Cookies from $3 per box to $3.50 for the 2007 Cookie Sale. After seven years at the $3 price, the Board of Directors determined it was time to make this change to accommodate the economical challenges in providing Girl Scouting to girls.  Troops also received an increase in their Troop profits and incentives.

In addition, Girl Scouts of the USA has not mandated a uniform retail price for cookies nationally.  It allows the Board of Directors for each council the right to determine the price per box according to their geographical area's economical need in providing for Girl Scouting. 

Q:  Where do the proceeds from the Cookie Sale Program Event go?

A:  All proceeds support Girl Scouts of Lac Baie Council’s seven county service area.  Less than one-third of the selling price of a box of Girl Scout Cookies goes toward the actual cost of the cookies.  This means more than two-thirds of every Girl Scout cookie purchase goes toward programs and services to benefit over 7,000 girls and 1,600 volunteers in Lac Baie Council. 

Cookie Company--85¢

Troop--48¢ - 65¢

                        -day and overnight trips

                        -service projects

                        -camping events

                        -special programs and activities

Incentives--22¢

Support Services to all Troops/Girls--$1.87

                        -Financial assistance for girls

                        -Subsidize council sponsored program events and activities

                        -Adult volunteer and older girl trainings

                        -Outdoor education, camping and programs

                        -Maintenance of two camps and a program center

                        -Membership publications

                        -Travel opportunities for girls and adults

Q:  Is the purchase of Girl Scout Cookies tax-deductible?

A: No and Yes.

§         No, if the customer keeps the cookies.  Individuals who buy Girl Scout cookies and take the cookies home, or consume them, have purchased a product at a fair market value.  For this reason, no part of the price of a box of Girl Scout Cookies used in this way is tax-deductible.

§         Yes, if the customer leaves the cookies with the Girl Scouts or donates the cookies to a charity. Many Girl Scouts ask customers to pay for one or more boxes of cookies for use in their community service projects, for example, collecting for a food pantry. The customers not receiving any Girl Scout Cookies do not benefit directly from paying for them. Those individuals may treat the purchase price of the donated cookies as a charitable contribution.

Last modified: February 20, 2008