• GSWW Checking Account Request

    Apply for a new Girl Scouts of Western Washington (GSWW) checking account or request an update to an existing account

  • Important: Please do not submit a second application for the same GSWW Volunteer-Led bank account request.

    Submitting multiple applications may cause delays, confusion, or unnecessary denials.

    If you need to make edits to a previously submitted application or have signer emails resent, please contact VolunteerBanking@GirlScoutsWW.org.

    PLEASE NOTE: GSWW is working to transition all bank accounts to Crowded Digital Banking as the preferred option. We encourage you to switch now to avoid future backlogs. To begin the process, choose “New account" below.

  • Are you creating a new GSWW Volunteer-Led bank account or updating an existing account?*

  • GSWW's preferred financial platform is Crowded. Accounts currently with other banks may be updated but we cannot guarantee success or the time it may take to complete the process. 

    Before continuing with an Other Bank, please ensure the following:

    • Confirm with the bank that you have a non-interest-bearing business account using GSWW's tax ID number
    • 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 such as with fees or debit cards, help with online banking, or fraud at other banks
    • Preferred account holders receive assistance from GSWW knowledgeable bank staff
    • Preferred account holders are not subject to bank service fees negotiated by GSWW
    • Preferred accounts may be opened within 14 business days. Other banks can take 2-8 weeks or more
  • Select bank to update*

  • 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.
    • 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

  • REMINDER: The Columbia Bank CIP Form is only required for signers who have not completed it before or their information has changed. Please complete the form if this applies to you.

    Columbia Bank CIP Form

  • Primary Signer Information

    Primary signer will receive mailed bank statements, if applicable

  • If you are updating an existing account, any current signer who is not listed on this form will be removed from the account as part of the account update.

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • I filled out the CIP Form linked above*

  • REMINDER: The Columbia Bank CIP Form is only required for signers who have not completed it before or their information has changed. The form link will be sent in the Approval email. Please remind the second signer to fill it out if they are new to the account.

     

  • Signer 2 Information

    Please enter the information for the secondary signer on the account
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Is there a 3rd signer for this account?

  • REMINDER: The Columbia Bank CIP Form is only required for signers who have not completed it before or their information has changed. The form link will be sent in the Approval email. Please remind the third signer to fill it out if they are new to the account.

  • Signer 3 Information

    Please enter the information for the third signer on the account
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • 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.

  • Banking Guidelines

    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 account 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.

  • Banking Guidelines - Crowded

    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.
    • 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 account monthly to identify fees, fraud, and overdrafts.
    • Report any fraudulent activity within 30 days to 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: 

    By signing this application, I acknowledge the following:

    I have read and understand the responsibilities and guidelines outlined above for serving as a volunteer signer on a Girl Scouts of Western Washington (GSWW) bank account.

    I understand that sound financial support is crucial to ensuring youth members have opportunities to participate in Girl Scout activities that build courage, confidence, and character. 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 and serve as an example to others.

    I understand that I must be a volunteer in good standing to serve as a signer on any GSWW volunteer-led bank account.

    I have read and understand the "GSWW Theft and Mismanagement of Volunteer-Led Bank Account Funds Policy".

    By law, GSWW Volunteer-Led bank account funds are the property of GSWW. Volunteer signers of these accounts are appointed stewards of these funds until they are no longer serving in that role. Equipment purchased with Girl Scout funds is also the property of GSWW and not the personal property of any individual.

    In accordance with IRS regulations, Girl Scout funds do not belong to individual Girl Scout members or adults. No separate accounting of funds earned may be maintained for any reason at any time. All Girl Scouts in a troop should benefit evenly from troop funds, with no individual benefit.

    GSWW reserves the right to withdraw funds from any GSWW Volunteer-Led bank account at any time, including, but not limited to, when an account is non-compliant or delinquent.

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

  • Columbia Bank – Updated Account: 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 Account: Next Steps

    After submitting the GSWW Application and completing the required training, 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.

  • Other Banks – Updated Account: Next Steps

    Every signer, who has not done so already, will need to complete the GSlearn course titled, "Volunteer-Led Banking: Managing Accounts".

    The primary signer will need to submit the following information to VolunteerBanking@girlscoutsww.org:

    • Bank Name
    • Branch Address
    • Name of Branch Manager
    • Branch Manager direct phone number
    • Branch Manager direct email

    After these steps are completed, the application will be reviewed for further processing. If approved, an Authorization Letter will be sent to the banks Branch Manager via email. You will need to work with the Branch Manager to complete the updating of the GSWW volunteer-led account.

    After the account is open, you will need to submit verification of the signer update to VolunteerBanking@girlscoutsww.org

  • Global Credit Union (formerly First Financial Northwest Bank) – Updated Account: Next Steps

    Once the GSWW Application is 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.

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