GSWW Checking Account Request

GSWW Checking Account Request

Application for new or update of a GSWW Checking Account
Are you creating a new troop / group account or updating an existing account?*

New accountUpdate account signers on existing Bank Account
Is this a Troop, Camp, or Service Unit Account?*

Troop AccountCamp AccountService Unit Account

GSWW Checking Account Request

Application for new or update of a GSWW Checking Account
Service Unit #*
Full Group Name*
Troop #*
Select Bank to update*

KeyBankColumbia BankFirst Financial Northwest BankOther (No Bank of America or Credit Unions)
Select Bank for new account*

Columbia BankFirst Financial Northwest BankOther (No Bank of America or Credit Unions)
GSWW's preferred banks are Columbia Bank and First Financial Northwest Bank. Accounts may be opened or updated with other banks, but we cannot guarantee success or the time it may take to complete.

Before proceeding, please ensure the following:
- Confirm with the bank that they can open or update a non-interest-bearing business account using GSWW's tax ID number.
- Gather information about the bank's policies, including associated fees and other details such as minimum deposit amounts, debit cards, etc.
- You agree with the bank's policies, including associated fees.
Additionally, note the differences in support between preferred banks and other banks:
- GSWW cannot mediate issues like fees, debit cards, online banking, or fraud at other banks.
- Preferred account holders receive assistance from GSWW’s knowledgeable bank staff.
- Preferred account holders are not subject to bank service fees negotiated by GSWW.
- Preferred accounts may be opened or updated within 14 business days. Other banks can take 2-8 weeks or more.
NOTE: GSWW will phase out KeyBank as a preferred option in 2025. We encourage you to switch to Columbia Bank now to streamline the process and avoid future backlogs.
Our council partner is Columbia Bank. While we permit opening accounts with other banks, where Columbia Bank isn't available, we cannot guarantee the process or its duration.

Before choosing other banks, please ensure the following:
- Confirm with the bank that they can open a non-interest-bearing business account using GSWW's tax ID number.
- Gather information about the bank's policies, including minimum deposit amount, associated fees, debit cards, etc., as this is the volunteer's responsibility.
Additionally, note the differences in support between Columbia Bank and other banks:
- GSWW cannot mediate issues like bank fees, online banking, or fraud at other banks.
- Columbia Bank account holders receive assistance from trained staff and, if needed, through GSWW mediation with the corporate branch.
- Troops at Columbia Bank are not subject to bank service fees negotiated by GSWW. Overdraft fees or fees due to account negligence are not covered.
- Columbia Bank accounts may be opened within 14 business days. Other Banks can take 2-8 weeks or more.
Account Number for Update*
Is online banking access needed?*

YesNo
On the next pages, you will be asked to input information about the additional signers on the account. Please be aware of the following guidelines for being a signer on a GSWW bank account:
- An account must have at least two signers but no more than three signers.
- Each signer will need to read, acknowledge, and sign the GSWW Checking Account Request application
- Signers cannot be related by blood or marriage.
- Signers cannot share a household.
- Signers must be at least 18 years of age.
- If the bank account is for a troop, the signers must be on the troop’s roster as a Troop Leader, Assistant Leader, or Treasurer. If the bank account is for a group, day camp, or service unit, signers must be on the group’s roster in a leadership role.
- Each signer must hold an active Girl Scouts of Western Washington membership for the current membership year.
- Each signer needs to have an eligible and updated (within 2 years) background check on file.
- Each signer can be a signer on only three GSWW accounts.
On the next pages, you will be asked to input information about the additional signers on the account. Please be aware of the following guidelines for being a signer on a GSWW bank account:
- An account must have at least two signers but no more than three signers.
- If you are updating an existing account, anyone not listed as a signer on this form but is currently a signer will be removed from the account as part of the account update.
- Each signer will need to read, acknowledge, and sign the GSWW Checking Account Request application
- Signers cannot be related by blood or marriage.
- Signers cannot share a household.
- Signers must be at least 18 years of age.
- If the bank account is for a troop, the signers must be on the troop’s roster as a Troop Leader, Assistant Leader, or Treasurer. If the bank account is for a group, day camp, or service unit, signers must be on the group’s roster in a leadership role.
- Each signer must hold an active Girl Scouts of Western Washington membership for the current membership year.
- Each signer needs to have an eligible and updated (within 2 years) background check on file.
- Each signer can be a signer on only three GSWW accounts.

GSWW Checking Account Request

Application for new or update of a GSWW Checking Account
The Columbia Bank CIP Form Link is only required for signers who are being added to the account for the first time. Kindly click the link below to complete the Columbia Bank CIP Form. When you are finished filling out the CIP form, please return to this form to complete and submit.

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9kO1snZ7VkqrHOHByndIQY8VyGMlhoRIkLDpAs4uNQRUOURTWFdWQU1MMzFRRFUwQzhCUDNJWENFVS4u&web=1&wdLOR=cB0BBBEAC-B213-4D50-8A4E-B2095C83E760
Primary Signer Information

Primary signer will receive mailed bank statements, if applicable
If you are updating an existing account, anyone not listed as a signer on this form but is currently a signer will be removed from the account as part of the account update.
Primary Signer Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Primary Signer Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Primary Signer Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Primary Signer Email Address*
example@example.com
Primary Signer Birthday*

MonthDayYear
Date

GSWW Checking Account Request

Application for new or update of a GSWW Checking Account
Signer 2 Information

Please enter the information for the secondary signer on the account
Signer 2 Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Signer 2 Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Signer 2 Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Signer 2 Email*
example@example.com
Signer 2 Birthday*

MonthDayYear
Date
Is there a 3rd signer for this account?

YesNo

GSWW Checking Account Request

Application for new or update of a GSWW Checking Account
Signer 3 Information

Please enter the information for the third signer on the account
Signer 3 Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Signer 3 Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Signer 3 Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Signer 3 Email Address*
example@example.com
Signer 3 Birthday*

MonthDayYear
Date

GSWW Checking Account Request

Application for new or update of a GSWW Checking Account
For a troop account, one of the signers must be a Troop Leader, Assistant Leader, or Troop Treasurer.*

I acknowledge that one or more of the signers for this bank account request hold one of these volunteer roles in this troop.
Volunteer Signer Responsibilities:

All volunteers who become signers on any Girl Scouts of Western Washington (GSWW) bank account are responsible for the following:
1. Annual Finance Report: Ensure the timely submission of the Finance Report each year.
2. Financial Stewardship: Make informed financial decisions to responsibly manage funds. Direct funds toward GSWW-approved activities that enhance the Girl Scout experience.
3. Guidance and Coaching: Provide guidance to Girl Scouts on prudent utilization of their earnings to support their Girl Scout Program.
4. Record-Keeping: Adhere to best accounting practices and maintain financial receipts, records, and documentation for a duration of four years.
5. Policy Adherence: Comply with GSWW Volunteer-Led Banking Financial Policies and Procedures.
All volunteers who become signers on any GSWW volunteer-led bank account must adhere to the following banking guidelines when signing the Checking Account Request application:
- All signers share responsibility and are held liable for all Girl Scouts of Western Washington (GSWW) bank account transactions made throughout their signer tenure.
- All bank accounts must be opened and updated using the GSWW centralized processing system.
- Savings accounts, Certificates of Deposits (CDs), Money Markets, or any interest-bearing accounts are not permitted for any GSWW volunteer-led banking.
- Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) and debit cards are an extension of GSWW’s and GSUSA’s credit and reputation. Signers should not share debit cards, share their Personal Identification Number (PIN), use their troop numbers as their PIN, or write their PIN in an obvious manner anywhere.
- Review bank statements monthly to identify fees, fraud, and overdrafts.
- Contact your local bank’s Branch Manager or GSWW-trained banker for issues such as bank account fees posted in error, name changes/corrections, debit card requests, and address changes.
- Report any fraudulent activity within 30 days to your local branch and GSWW.
- Maintain supporting receipts and documentation for all expenses, reimbursements, and debit card transactions for a period of four years.
- GSWW retains the authority to call for an account audit at any time.
Volunteer Acknowledgment:

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the responsibilities and guidelines required as a volunteer signer on a Girl Scouts of Western Washington bank account as outlined above and in the GSWW Volunteer-Led Banking Financial Policies and Procedures. I understand that sound financial support is crucial to ensuring that youth members have opportunities to participate in Girl Scout activities which build youth members of courage, confidence, and character. I understand that good accounting practices and record keeping are consistent with the Girl Scout Mission Statement and Promise and Law. I will use the Girl Scout Promise and Law to guide my choices and actions as an example to others. I understand that to be a signer on any GSWW volunteer-led bank account, I must be a volunteer in good standing.

If I am unable or unwilling to comply with the above or choose not to support this organization's mission, values, or goals, I agree to communicate this to a GSWW staff member and be removed as a bank account signer.

By signing this application, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the "GSWW Theft and Mismanagement of Volunteer-Led Bank Account Funds Policy" on the Girl Scouts of Western Washington website.
Primary Signature*

Clear
Columbia Bank - New & Updated Accounts: Next Steps

Once the GSWW Application and Columbia Bank CIP form are completed, the Volunteer Banking Coordinator will review and process your application.

Processing times may vary depending on application volume or staff absences.
- If approved: All signers will receive a Next Steps email within 3-14 business days.
- If pending: All signers will receive an email within 3-14 business days listing the items that must be completed before the application can proceed.
KeyBank - Updated Accounts: Next Steps

After submitting the GSWW Application and completing the required training, the Volunteer Banking Coordinator will reveiw and process your application.

Processing times may vary depending on application volume or staff absences.
- If approved: All signers will receive a Next Steps email within 3-14 business days.
- If pending: All signers will receive an email within 3-14 business days listing the items that must be completed before the application can proceed.
Other Banks – New & Updated Accounts: Next Steps

After submitting the GSWW Application, completing the required training, and emailing your required additional information to VolunteerBanking@GirlScoutsWW.org, the Volunteer Banking Coordinator will review and process your application. Processing times may vary depending on application volume or staff absences.
- If approved: All signers will receive a Notification of Approval and confirmation that an Authorization Letter has been emailed to the specified bank within 3–14 business days.
- If pending: All signers will receive an email within 3-14 business days listing the items that must be completed before the application can proceed.
First Financial Northwest Bank - New Accounts: Next Steps

Once the primary signer submits the application, all additional signers will automatically receive an email requesting their signature approval. After all required signatures have been completed, the application will be forwarded to the Volunteer Banking Coordinator for review and approval.

Within 3 business days of submission, each signer will receive a DocuSign email request. After all signatures have been collected, a Welcome Email containing the new account information will be sent to all signers within 7 business days. You will then have 10 business days to complete your initial deposit.
First Financial Northwest Bank - Updated Accounts: Next Steps

Once the primary signer submits the application, all additional signers will automatically receive an email requesting their signature approval. After all required signatures have been completed, the application will be sent to the Volunteer Banking Coordinator for review and approval.

Within three business days of submission, each signer will receive a DocuSign email request. Only new signers or those whose information has changed need to complete the DocuSign process. Once all volunteer signatures have been submitted, a Welcome Email with the updated account information will be sent to all signers within five business days.
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GSWW Checking Account Request

GSWW Checking Account Request

GSWW Checking Account Request

Primary Signer Information

GSWW Checking Account Request

Signer 2 Information

GSWW Checking Account Request

Signer 3 Information

GSWW Checking Account Request