FOR EVERY GIRL:  Invest in a Lifetime

As a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization, the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi relies upon ndividuals, corporations, foundations, grants, shop sales, camping fees, investment income, event revenue, the annual cookie sale and United Ways for its fund-raising efforts and collaborations.  While the Girl Scout annual cookie sale and the local United Ways provide a significant portion of our income, they simply cannot cover the cost of the range of services that we provide to more than 9800 girls and adults in our 24-county jurisdiction.  This is why we turn to the public, to our Girl Scout families, friends and volunteers for their support, as well.

It costs the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi approximately $159 per girl to provide such services as troop leader training and on-going support, Girl Scout program for girls during and after the school day, at housing authorities and community centers, and year-round camping and council-wide girl events.  What a bargain!  What an investment in making a tremendous difference in a girl's life!  100% of every dollar raised stays in the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi to guarantee such services.

Why give money or in-kind contributions to Girl Scouting?  Because Girl Scouting works!  Research shows that our Movement provides progressive and relevant programs that provide the skills girls need to succeed in today's world.  What the donor gives to Girl Scouting, Girl Scouting gives to girls  -  and in turn, girls give back to their communities.

Did you know that alumni are one of the most treasured assets of the Girl Scout Council of Middle  Mississippi?  Alumni understand from first-hand experiences the value and joy of the Girl Scout program.  Chances are you still savor your own Girl Scout experience  -  the friendships, the skills and the adventures.  Who are the alumni?

They are former Girl Scouts, parents of graduated Girl Scouts, leaders both past and present, board members both past and present, volunteers both past and present.  Alumni are encouraged to become active members of GSCMM's STILL GROWING STRONG ALUMNI CHAPTER.  Let us know how you would like to participate:  Camp Wahi, reunions, fundraising, event planning, volunteer opportunities, locating other alumni.  Join in the fun and keep the Girl Scout tradition going strong in Middle Mississippi, download the alumni form here.  Contact us at 601-366-0607 or 1-800-898-4475. Fax at 601-366-0664.

WAHI WILDFLOWERS are individuals, groups and businesses who designate their Girl Scout contribution to help maintain and improve Camp Wahi.  WAHI WILDFLOWERS also volunteer their time and talents in serving as program enrichment people and "Camp Care" volunteers.  Your support is critical to ensure that Girl Scouts continue to enjoy memorable wonders of outdoor fun at Camp Wahi.  Click here  for the form to make a donation to WAHI WILDFLOWERS.

THE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP CAMPAIGN is families,adult volunteers, friends of Girl Scouting and staff joining together to financially support Girl Scout program for our daughters, granddaughters, and girls who live in our communities.  The support raised by this campaign goes directly back into local Girl Scouting which provides the resources needed to continue our council's forty-nine year practice of serving the contemporary needs of girls in central Mississippi.  In fact, 85% of every dollar raised is designated for program delivery, adult training, girl recruitment and camp maintenance.  By devoting the majority of our funds raised to girl services, our council ensures each family's contribution is a wise investment  -  an investment in a girl's future.  To donate contact Tina Rose Crump via email or, 601-366-0607 or 1-800-898-4475.

PLANNED GIVING allows you to include the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi in your estate and financial plans.  You will have the satisfaction of supporting Girl Scouts in a meaningful and permanent way.  Gift options include:

• Charitable bequest from wills
• Stocks or securities
• Other personal property
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Charitable gift annuities
• Gifts of life insurance
• Charitable lead trusts
• Endowment gift

For more information, please contact us and we will mail an information packet on ways you can incorporate gift-giving options into your estate plan.

MEMORIALS AND TRIBUTES are a great way to show love and appreciation for someone on a special occasion, to honor the memory of a loved one, or to recognize an outstanding volunteer.  Your gift will be acknowledged with a card notifying the recipient that a gift has been made in their honor.  To make a donation, click here to get the form. (Please use the Family Partnership Campaign Form)

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION was begun in 2004 as an annual tradition of selecting and honoring three outstanding women for their positive community achievements.  Charter laureates were (l to r) Kathy Johnson, Maggie Wade and Gail Pittman.  Because of Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 Women of Distinction was cancelled.  Our 2005 laureates, Margo Hemphill, Rica Lewis-Payton and Elee Reeves were introduced at a November 10th Girl Scout High Tea.  The second Women of Distinction Induction Ceremony was held at the Country Club of Jackson on October 26, 2006.  Please refer to the News Section for more information.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL GIRLS is a way to support girls of greatest risk.  The Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi is dedicated to providing Girl Scouting to all girls regardless of race, religion or economics.  The following at-risk programs are dependant on public support.  Contributors may make a general donation to benefit all three programs or give a designated gift to the program of their choice.  For more information on these special programs contact the council’s Chief Operating Officer at 601-366-0607 x 206.

GIRL SCOUTING BEYOND BARS  -  TROOP 711

In 2006, GSCMM, in partnership with the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF), established a special troop for daughters/nieces who have incarcerated mothers/aunts.  Sixteen girls, ages 5 – 16, meet the first Saturday in a girls-only troop meeting and with their mothers/aunts at a joint CMCF meeting on the third Saturday.  As funds allow, the girls also enjoy additional Girl Scout outings and campouts.

Troop 711 program goals are:  to strengthen a caring mother/daughter relationship; to improve the quality of life for each daughter; to reduce each daughter’s current and/or future destructive social behaviors; to strengthen the self-esteem of the daughters and mothers; and to provide support for the daughters’ caregivers and siblings.

THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF ME! School Transition Program

During the 2006-2007 school year, a total of 90 targeted 5th and 8th grade Jackson Public School girls are participating in a nine month self-esteem program at Van Winkle Elementary, Smith Elementary, Lake Elementary, Walton Elementary, Brown Elementary and Powell Middle School.  Respective school counselors identified fifteen girls as program participants whose academic achievement and/or school attendance have been most adversely affected by severely-low socio-economic living conditions, dysfunctional or no family units, and/or destructive self or family behaviors.  Girls attend twice monthly in-school meetings and participate in educational extra-curricular activities. 

The INCREDIBLE POWER OF ME! program goal is to instill in every girl the critical self-esteem skills, positive self-worth and self-sufficiency she alone will need to overcome the added emotional and physical challenges of new junior high or high school environments.

GIRL SCOUT GOLF TOURNAMENTS are another visible and viable way to support Girl Scouting.  Two 2009 Girl Scout golf tournaments have been scheduled.  Mark your calendar to play at Fernwood Country Club in McComb on April 24th and/or May 28th at Patrick Farms in Brandon.  Visit our Golf Classic announcement page for more information or go to the downloads section for registration and sponsorship forms.

If you know of someone who you think would be interested in participating as a sponsor and/or in putting together a team please let us know.  For more information and/or to sign up, please call the Fund Development Director at 366-0607 ext. 215. Thank you in advance for your support.

IN-KIND DONATIONS include a wide array of donations, from food or supplies to facility usage, to working as short-term volunteers with troops.  Donations of professional services (plumbing, electrical, construction, landscaping, architectural), uniforms for at-risk girls, underwriters for council publications, underwriters for girls' camp expenses and fees, platform tents and mattresses, office furniture, just to name a few, are always welcome.  To make a donation, contact the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi at 601-366-0607.

MATCHING GIFTS programs are offered by many corporations and employers.  Contact your personnel department to determine if they have a program and simply request a matching gift application and forward the completed form to the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi, 1471 West County Line Road, Jackson, MS  39213.

The Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi is proud to be a UNITED WAY partner with:  United Way of the Capital Area, United Way of Southwest Mississippi, United Way of Greater Miss-Lou, Inc., United Way of Lincoln County, and United Way of West Central Mississippi.  Building today's girls into tomorrow's leaders takes strong partnerships, not only with girls and volunteers, but also with the individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations who support GSCMM through funding our programs.  We value our partners and the role they play in helping our council to make Girl Scouting available to every girl, everywhere.