Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
- Income
- $4.1 million
- Spending
- $4.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- 15.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- other income, 84%
- Employees
- 61
- Volunteers
- 3,000
- Highest pay
- $197,433, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 77 out of 100. Higher than 56% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 15.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 12% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 42 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2517 of 17 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $1.6 million spent. Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) - The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is the foundation of everything we do, equipping girls with the courage, confidence, and character to become leaders who make the world a better place. Through a girl-led, hands-on approach, members build leadership skills by earning badges, completing service projects, participating in troop activities, and developing meaningful relationships with caring adult mentors. Research from Girl Scouts of the USA consistently shows that Girl Scouts demonstrate stronger leadership aspirations, higher levels of civic engagement, and greater confidence than their non-Girl Scout peers. During 2025, Girl Scouts Hornets' Nest Council served more than 5,300 girls across eight counties in North and South Carolina, providing safe, inclusive environments where girls developed resilience, practiced teamwork, strengthened decision-making skills, and learned to advocate for themselves and others. Whether leading a troop meeting, planning a community service project, or pursuing the prestigious Gold Award, girls gained lifelong leadership skills that prepare them to succeed in school, careers, and their communities.
- $997,510 spent. Membership Engagement: STEM, Arts & Culture, Life Skills & Entrepreneurship Our Membership Engagement programs provide girls with year-round opportunities to discover new interests, build practical skills, and prepare for future success through experiences centered on STEM, arts & culture, life skills, and entrepreneurship. From robotics, engineering, coding, and environmental science to financial literacy, cooking, mental wellness, civic engagement, and business development through SheBiz and the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls participate in hands-on learning that builds confidence and real-world competencies. National Girl Scout research shows that Girl Scouts are more likely to develop strong problem-solving abilities, pursue STEM interests, and gain financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills that translate into future educational and career success. In 2025, council-curated programming connected girls with industry professionals, universities, community leaders, and local businesses through innovative workshops, career exploration events, creative arts experiences, and leadership forums. These investments ensure girls are prepared to navigate a rapidly changing workforce while developing the confidence to lead in every aspect of their lives. In 2025, 1,120 girls participated in STEM programming, 450 girls participated in arts & culture programing, and 936 girls participated in life skills and entrepreneurship.
- $969,945 spent. Camp & Outdoor Experiences Outdoor experiences remain one of the most transformative components of Girl Scouting, providing girls with opportunities to build independence, resilience, environmental stewardship, and leadership through adventure. At Camp Holly Hut and the Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus at Oak Springs, girls experienced hiking, canoeing, kayaking, archery, camping, team-building, and outdoor exploration in safe, supportive environments designed to encourage personal growth. National studies have found that Girl Scouts who regularly participate in outdoor programming report greater confidence, stronger leadership skills, improved problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong appreciation for nature and conservation. During 2025, our camps and outdoor programs gave girls opportunities to challenge themselves, develop healthy risk-taking behaviors, strengthen friendships, and disconnect from daily pressures while reconnecting with the natural world. These experiences foster lasting memories while helping girls develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive both today and throughout their lives. In 2025, 801 girls participated in camp and outdoor experiences.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1941.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.