Announcement Regarding GSUSA’s Property Strategy

This message was shared by GSUSA this afternoon:

Good afternoon, National Delegates –

As GSUSA’s invaluable partners in developing our Movement strategy, we are reaching out to share an important update about GSUSA’s long-term property strategy approved by the National Board at their board meeting on September 30th, 2025. This information was shared with your council CEO and board chair today.

Over the past few years, as we developed our Movement Strategy and Vision 2030, GSUSA and our National Board committed to our Movement that we would evaluate GSUSA’s long-term property strategy.

As we embark on Vision 2030, collectively working to reimagine Girl Scouting in order to serve more girls and families, we are aligned that now is the time to make bold decisions in service of the future of the Movement. At the July 31, 2025, meeting, our National Board approved Vision 2030 and our FY26 budget, and at the September 30, 2025, meeting, the National Board approved the property strategy that supports Vision 2030. The property strategy includes two strategic and financially responsible changes to GSUSA’s property portfolio, ensuring the greatest long-term impact for the Movement:

• Following an intense study and evaluation of Edith Macy, in partnership with internal and external experts, GSUSA recommended, and the National Board approved the full sale of the property.
• The Board has also approved the sale of up to three floors at our National Headquarters at 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City. GSUSA will maintain a national presence in NYC on two floors, as well as continue to operate Girl Scout Central to serve the many Girl Scouts who visit the city annually.

Below is a detailed explanation of the research and rationale that supports the National Board’s decision to make this historic investment into the future of our Movement.

The Edith Macy Center (Macy)

Edith Macy, chair of the Girl Scouts National Board from 1919-1925, dreamed of a Girl Scout instructional facility to offer high quality training for the Movement. Following her death, land was donated to GSUSA in 1925 to bring her dream to life. That dream of a “University in the Woods” was carried out for nearly a century – 2026 will mark 100 years since Macy was gifted to the Movement. Today, we recognize that adults learn and train differently. The use of the property has significantly declined over the years and we operate Macy at a $1 million annual deficit.

This sale empowers us to extend Edith Macy’s vision in dynamic, inclusive, and tech-enabled ways—far beyond what one location can offer. The net proceeds from the sale of Macy will be placed in a designated fund from which in perpetuity, GSUSA will honor and modernize the “University in the Woods” legacy in two important ways:

• 75% of the annual spend will be allocated to national training & education to prepare and inspire those who deliver Girl Scouting, and
• The remaining 25% will be allocated to support council camp improvements through the deployment of grants to revitalize council owned property.

We deeply respect the historical significance of Macy and are committed to honoring its legacy. To that end, GSUSA has assembled a Legacy Advisory Group of Girl Scout members to help guide our work with our Cultural Assets team to honor the history and legacy of Macy and the Great Hall. We look forward to sharing more with you about the timelines and details in the coming months.

420 Fifth Avenue Headquarters

Juliette Gordon Low moved the GSUSA national headquarters to New York in 1915, and since 1992, Girl Scouts has been located at 420 Fifth Avenue. We will maintain a headquarters in NYC with a smaller property footprint that aligns our resources with our future strategy.

Our New York footprint will now better reflect current and future ways of working, not our legacy needs. Right-sizing space ensures it serves our Movement more effectively.

The Board-approved investments of the net sale proceeds reflect GSUSA’s commitment to a balanced, future-focused approach that supports Movement financial health and execution of our strategy.

Just as Juliette Gordon Low sold her treasured pearls to invest in Girl Scouts, we are now making bold decisions to invest in the future of our Movement. These decisions are about honoring our past while leaning into the future—to revolutionize how we engage with and support girls and the adults who serve them.

Together, we are writing the next chapter in our Movement’s story.

Yours In Girl Scouting,
Noorain and Bonnie
Sent on behalf of Noorain Khan and Bonnie Barczykowski