Not having cash on hand may no longer be an excuse to turn down Girl Scout cookie sellers, as many troops are now using nonprofit technology that enables participants to accept debit and credit cards. In Eastern Missouri alone, local troops were offering credit card processing at 27 locations during the first few days of March. This adds to a growing number of troops across the United States who have decided to move into the 21st century and accommodate donors' payment preferences.

"Girls today are tech-savvy," Bonnie Barczykowski, chief operating officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM), told The Missourian. "Our organization must firmly enter the digital age and encourage the girls to let their interests in science and technology grow."

Last year, some troops using advanced fundraising technology achieved greater success because they were able to capitalize on additional sales opportunities. They have also developed a mobile application that enables consumers to locate nearby troops selling cookies at stores and other venues. 

Accepting a wider array of transactions for donations has become an important strategy in recent years, as more individuals have demonstrated their willingness to make a quick donation over the internet or by sending a text message from their mobile phones. 

As foundations tap into emerging digital channels to raise funds online, they can benefit from nonprofit fundraising software that tracks incoming donations and quantitatively measures the success of their efforts.