The MY24 USAGSO microgrant program provides financial support for local volunteer development, girl programming, and recruitment activities. USAGSO microgrants range from $50 to $2,000 and will fund activities taking place during the 2024 Girl Scout membership year (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024). Microgrant funds will be awarded starting 1 October until May 31, or until funding runs out. Through these microgrants, USAGSO strives to increase the quality and accessibility of the Girl Scout program overseas.
Applications open September 1, 2023!
Who can apply? Registered Overseas Committee Management Team (OCMT) members, troop leaders (with OCMT approval if in an established Overseas Committee), and Girls Scouts completing a Gold Award project are eligible to apply.
What can I request funds for? Microgrants will be awarded to support local volunteer development, girl programming, and recruitment activities.
Volunteer Development
Volunteer development funds are intended to help communities attract and retain volunteers by equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide a quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Below are just a few things that would fall under volunteer development and support.
Volunteer training related expenses
Costs associated with hosting an Overseas Volunteer Partner (OVP) via the OVP Service Request
CPR and/or first aid training
Regional events that foster volunteer collaboration (more than one community)
We look forward to seeing the creative ideas you have to build a strong and confident volunteer force!
Girl Programming
Girl programming funds are intended to benefit registered Girl Scouts. Here are just a few ways you can use a USAGSO microgrant to bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to every girl, everywhere:
Overnight or day camp
STEM day
First aid, CPR, and/or babysitter training for older Girl Scouts
Resources for earning badges or Journeys
Travel to/from a Girl Scout or Girl Guide event
Take Action/Community Service Projects
Highest Award Projects (individual Girl Scouts can request funds for Gold Award Projects)
Recruitment
Recruitment funds are intended to provide additional resources to market Girl Scouts in your community and/or host recruitment events and activities. Here are just a few ways you can use a USAGSO microgrant to recruit in your area:
Marketing ads (social media, local print publications, spotlight on an expat podcast, blog, radio, or video/TV)
- Recruitment event supplies & printing costs
- Recruitment event facility rental
LOCAL GRANTS
Interested in other sources of funding support? Check with local organizations in your community to see if they offer grants to Girl Scouts. Some organizations that have previously provided grants to USAGSO communities are:
- Military Spouses’ Clubs
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Local American Chambers of Commerce
- Lions Clubs
- Kiwanis Clubs
PLEASE NOTE
- USAGSO is not able to manage these grant applications, receipts, reconciliations or acknowledgments, therefore the GSUSA/USAGSO EIN/FID should not be provided.
- USAGSO will not be involved in the receipt of these grants - all funding will be managed by and go directly to the applicant community.
- OCMTs can apply for these local grants on their own. Anyone applying for a grant over $1,000.00 should contact the USAGSO Development Office for assistance (Katherine Nolan Brown, knbrown@girlscouts.org).
- OCMTs will oversee all applications for grants of this kind, whether on behalf of the Overseas Committee, a troop, or an individual (Highest Awards or Travel). Individuals and troops may not apply for grants without express approval from their OCMT.
- Any grant funding received must be reported in the Year End Financial Report submitted to USAGSO.
- Don’t forget to thank your funders! Check out our Thank You Postcard Template (coming soon!)
- Have questions or want to apply for a large grant? Contact Katherine Nolan Brown, Manager of USAGSO Fund Development at knbrown@girlscouts.org or your Membership Manager.
Learn more about Microgrants & Local Grants!
How do I apply? 
When do applications open?
How much can I expect to receive?
The chart below shows the amount of microgrant funds you can expect to receive for your request. While we will do our best to support all requests, funding is limited, and approval is not guaranteed. Priority will be given to military communities and requests that support collaboration between two or more communities or community partners.
Volunteer Development Funding
Girl Engagement Funding
Additional Requirements
USAGSO Microgrant Recipients Hall of Fame
Information for Grant Recipients
Reschedule/Cancellation: We understand that plans change. If you must reschedule or cancel your event, please email details to overseascustomercare@girlscouts.org, subject line “Microgrant”
Returning unused funds: If you have unused funds, please email overseascustomercare@girlscouts.org, subject line “Microgrant.” Be sure to include the amount of unused funds and reason for funds were not used in the body of the message.
After the Event: Grant recipients are required to submit an after-action report, including receipts and photos, within 2 weeks of the event. Recipients that fail to submit an after-action report and receipts will be asked to return the microgrant funds and denied future funding. AFTER ACTION REPORT
