Girl Scouts will raise yearly dues to $65 by 2027
A Girl Scout wears a vest with merit badges as she helps plant flowers around the entranceway sign for the Albany County Nursing Home on Sunday, July 29, 2018 in Albany, N.Y. (Photo by Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
The Girl Scouts of the USA will gradually increase national membership dues to $65 by 2027, a 160% increase from the previous $25 membership, according to the Girl Scouts website.
A vote was held during the National Council Session on Oct. 19 to increase membership dues.
For the 2025-2026 year, dues will increase to $45 for girls and $30 for adults, and then again by 2027, however adult dues will remain at $30.
"This investment provides the opportunity to implement initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our Girl Scout councils, volunteers, and the girls and families we serve. We are committed to providing financial assistance to all who need it," the website stated.
The new $65 fee was decreased slightly from the proposed $85 fee.
Declining memberships
The increase comes as a response to inflation as well as a slump in memberships.
"Operating at a deficit — spending more than we bring in — as we have been doing, is not sustainable. We can no longer afford to use our financial reserves, and we cannot pass through all escalating costs to our councils," the leadership said, adding that they would, along with increased membership fees, also focus on partnerships and robust fundraising.
The organization ended the 2023 fiscal year with a $4.4 million deficit, according to the handbook, and it is expected to increase to $5.6 million at the end of the 2024 fiscal year.