How Troop 417 Raised $13,000—and Counting

This adventurous Scout troop is using RaiseRight to fund big experiences while rallying support from friends and family across the country.

Troop 417 is one of the oldest Scout troops in the Milton, Wisconsin area. Made up of three units serving boys and girls from Cub Scouts through Crew (ages 14–18+), the troop keeps Scouts busy with service projects, outdoor activities, campouts, and adventurous excursions.

But these activities and adventures come with real costs. Week-long district campouts typically run $400–$700, and crew expeditions (like a scuba diving trip to the Bahamas) can climb into the thousands.

Keeping those costs manageable for every family is a top priority, and it's where programs like RaiseRight have made a meaningful difference.

Bouncing back after the pandemic

After resuming their efforts post-pandemic in 2022, the troop needed a more sustainable way to boost their revenue. Their original fundraisers were still helpful, but no longer enough on their own.

The troop's district has long participated in various fundraising ideas, like a holiday wreath and garland sale and a popcorn sale. They also take on a spring flower sale, and occasional restaurant nights at a local Culver's.

Each fundraiser requires real time and energy, whether it's making wreaths by hand, selling products, or coordinating pickups. And the parents only have so many hours to give.

That's why scout parent Ann S. introduced RaiseRight, the gift card and shopping-based fundraiser, after experiencing its success firsthand while serving as PTA treasurer at her kids' school.

"There’s only so much time in the day to fundraise among your other responsibilities. Other fundraisers require physical time from members. RaiseRight is passive—and it's easy to ask for help from family members and friends," states Ann. 

Establishing a rhythm that works

Troop 417 has built a simple, repeatable system around RaiseRight.

Gift card orders are batched once a month to minimize shipping costs, and Ann distributes them at the start of the following month. Twice a month, she sets up a table at meetings to help parents create accounts and learn how to invite friends and family.

Communication is light but consistent—a Facebook group post here, a quick email there.

"Our most popular brand is Kwik Trip, and you can easily reload funds on their gift cards," notes Ann. "I notify everyone when the brand goes on bonus, and also promote RaiseRight during busy seasons like back-to-school or Thanksgiving, or before travel days."

One of the biggest incentives for RaiseRight participation is the troop's 50/50 earnings split. Not all fundraisers can offer this level of flexibility; with RaiseRight, the troop can choose to put money directly back in families' pockets. 

Half of every dollar earned goes directly into the Scout's account, where it can be applied toward dues, uniforms, campouts, or bigger trips. For families with multiple Scouts in the troop, it adds up fast.

"My families love RaiseRight because it's so easy," says Ann. "They don't have to pay out of pocket for unsold wreaths or popcorn. It's the perfect supplement to what we're already doing."

Reliable results, year after year

Since implementing RaiseRight in 2022, Troop 417 has raised over $4,000 each year, totaling nearly $13,000 over three years.

"I earn about $600 a year myself, and was able to cover half of my daughter's crew trip," Ann recalls. "It allows them to enjoy experiences that a typical teenager in scouting wouldn't otherwise have."

The impact reaches beyond the troop's own backyard, too. RaiseRight isn't limited to local participants, which means grandparents, aunts, uncles, and  friends can contribute from anywhere in the country. 

"We can count on RaiseRight to keep costs low, so more families can participate with less financial burden. A lot of fundraisers require you to be local, but RaiseRight doesn't. Relatives across the U.S. can support our Scouts, and that has pushed our outreach so much further."