Girl Scouts of the USA

Is Girl Scouts a nonprofit organization?
Yes, Girl Scouts of the USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a National Board of Directors and operated through 111 local councils across the United States. The organization is funded through membership dues, program fees, merchandise sales, royalties, donations, and revenue from the cookie program.

Who founded Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts was founded on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Low was inspired by the Girl Guides movement in the United Kingdom and wanted to create similar opportunities for American girls to develop leadership skills and self-reliance.

Who is the CEO of Girl Scouts?
Bonnie Barczykowski serves as Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA. In July 2026, Telva McGruder was elected National Board President for the 2026-2029 term by the National Council at its 58th National Council Session in Washington, DC.

What is Girl Scouts' annual revenue?
For fiscal year 2025 (ended September 30, 2025), Girl Scouts of the USA reported total operating revenue of $148.6 million, up 26% from $113.0 million in FY2024. Revenue sources include membership dues ($38.0 million), merchandise gross profit ($21.9 million), royalty income ($12.2 million), gifts and grants ($52.7 million), and other streams. The Girl Scout Cookie Program generates approximately $800 million in annual revenue at the council level.

How much money does the cookie program generate?
The Girl Scout Cookie Program generates approximately $800 million in revenue annually across all councils, making it the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. Proceeds support local troops and council activities. Girls learn goal-setting, money management, marketing, and customer service skills through the program.

Who makes Girl Scout Cookies?
Girl Scout Cookies are produced by two licensed bakers: ABC Bakers (a division of Interbake Foods) and Little Brownie Bakers (a division of Ferrero's Keebler Company). These bakers produce all cookie varieties sold in the program, including Thin Mints, Samoas/Caramel deLites, Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties, and others.

How many girls participate in Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts serves nearly 2 million total members, including more than 1.1 million girl members, supported by adult volunteers across the United States through its network of 111 local councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO). Girls in every zip code can participate.

Girl Scouts of the USA was founded on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Low, inspired by the Girl Guides movement in the United Kingdom, gathered 18 girls for the first meeting and established an organization focused on outdoor activities, skill development, and community service.

The organization grew rapidly throughout the 20th century, expanding from its Georgia roots to become a national organization with local councils across the United States. The Girl Scout Cookie program, which began in 1917 as a simple bake sale, evolved into the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world.

Throughout its history, Girl Scouts has adapted its programming to reflect changing times while maintaining its core mission of girl leadership development. The organization introduced new badges and programs related to STEM, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship.

In recent years, Girl Scouts has focused on modernizing its programs to appeal to contemporary girls while maintaining its traditional emphasis on outdoor skills, community service, and leadership. The cookie program has incorporated digital sales platforms and new cookie varieties while maintaining its educational focus on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

In July 2026, GSUSA held its 58th National Council Session in Washington, DC, with nearly 1,000 delegates gathering to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. A new National Board of Directors was elected for the 2026-2029 term, with Telva McGruder as National Board President.

Membership trends: Girl Scouts has faced declining membership in some areas, challenging long-term sustainability. The organization has been working to modernize its programs and expand its reach to reverse these trends.

Cookie program criticism: The cookie program has faced criticism regarding the nutritional content of cookies, the use of palm oil, and the percentage of proceeds that actually reach local troops. The organization has responded with healthier cookie options and transparency about how proceeds are distributed.

Trademark disputes: GSUSA has been involved in legal disputes to protect its trademarks, including the Girl Scout name, logo, and cookie variety names. The organization actively defends its intellectual property.

Leadership transitions: GSUSA has experienced several CEO transitions in recent years, including the appointment of Bonnie Barczykowski as CEO. The organization has worked to maintain strategic continuity during these transitions.

Competition from Boy Scouts of America: The expansion of Boy Scouts of America to include girls in some programs has created competitive pressure for Girl Scouts membership.