Grants to support members struggling with the cost of Scouts

We have a fund to help support young people and adult members who are finding it difficult to afford Scouting.

The Benevolent Fund

All Groups, Districts and Counties/Areas/Regions can make an application for members struggling with the costs of Scouting. The fund was created to ‘support members, individuals and Groups, focusing on areas of community development, particularly new Groups in areas of deprivation.’ It helps support:

• camp or event fees
• the purchase of uniforms
• costs to undertake Scouts

We cannot fund membership fees

We cannot fund wood badge training

NB: Please be advised that core camp costs such as food, camping fees, and Scouting activities may be covered by the fund; clothing will be covered only where it is required to identify members as part of the Group. Costs such as theme park trips, donations to other organisations (where not related to a service provided for the event) and contingency will not be covered.

Similar to disclosure checks, we now ask for applicants to review evidence which will determine eligibility for these grants locally. For more information click here.

Evidence requirements for this fund:

• A set of accounts
• A signed consent form
• Evidence of the cost of the activity (e.g. for a camp, what is being charged per young person)

Before you apply

• Groups/units/districts etc who have the funding available should support their members with costs in the first instance. Please read our reserves policy before applying.
• Ensure you have spoken to the parent or leader who is struggling to cover the costs of the activity and that they understand how the funding will support them
• Request and review their evidence (physically, you should never digitialise or take copies of this information)
• Complete the consent form
• Have your most recent set of accounts available to add as an attachment. Read this helpful guide for more information.

If you are ready to apply, click here.