What is the CashBack for Communities Small Grants Scheme?
The Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities Small Grants Scheme offers funding of up to £2000 to increase the provision of positive activities available to young people through local youth groups.
The scheme, which is aimed at those working with 10 - 19 year olds, is being run in partnership with six national youth organisations: The Scout Association (The Scottish Council), Girlguiding Scotland, Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade Scotland, Clubs for Young People (Scotland) and Youth Scotland.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to all Sections except Beavers, Cubs, Groups, Districts and Regions in Scotland.
What funding is available?
There are two types of funding available including:
- A Start-Up Grant of up to £1,000 for Scout Troops, Explorer Scout Units and Scout Network Units who have been registered within 6-months of the application deadline.
- A Programme Grant of up to £2,000 to support Scout Troops, Explorer Scout Units and Scout Network Units who have been operating for more than 6 months*; to participate in an identified programme of activity.
* Please note that Troops and Units can’t receive funding from the Programme Grant if they have received funding from the Start-Up Grant within 12-months.
Can you tell me more about the two types of Grant available?
The Programme Grant is exactly what it says… a grant that supports qualifying sections to deliver one or more elements of the balanced programme.
Whilst it is by no means excluded, the purchase of equipment on its own or for general use is not encouraged in favour of applications that will actually see young people taking part in a specific programme of activity. The purchase of equipment should always be considered in the context of allowing this programme of activity to happen.
Your application should provide details of the:
- The expected outcome,
- The benefit to the young people,
- The purpose, and
- The method.
Example 1;
Twenty Scouts from 1st Anytown Scout Troop are planning to spend one-night per month for the next six months visiting a local climbing centre followed by a weekend at The Lochgoilhead Centre using the crag, between which they will learn all of the skills required to achieve the Climber Scout Activity Badge. The Scouts will also be assessed for the Personal Activity Permit allowing them to continue to develop in the activity.
Example 2;
Fourteen Explorer Scouts from 2nd Anywhere Scout District are preparing to complete their Chief Scout Platinum Award expedition, which is for a duration of 2-days and 1-night. They have planned a lightweight bicycle expedition and a series of training activities including a lightweight camp and evening sessions on bicycle maintenance; all of which will also contribute toward the achievement of the Mountain Biking Activity Badge and further Nights Away and Hikes Away . In order to assist the Explorer Scouts to complete this activity, the unit is looking to purchase seven sets of panniers and four lightweight expedition hike tents. The cost of the actual expedition is fully covered by participant fees.
For example one, you could typically expect costs for transport, hire of the climbing centre & instruction, a weekend at an activity centre and the purchase of badges whereas for example two, the cost is the purchase of equipment to allow the proposed activities to happen.
Your application form should detail all of the anticipated costs, the number of beneficiaries and the amount that you would be contributing from elsewhere i.e. participant fees, fundraising, contribution from Group/ District etc so that it is clear how much (and the subsidy per person) that the grant is for.
The above examples are of course very short and to the point and more detail may be required depending on the programme that you are seeking funding for; however please remember that guidance and support is always available from Scottish Headquarters ahead of submitting your application.
For the Start-Up Grant, you need to consider how you would make best use of the money in setting up your Troop or Unit and this may involve the purchase of essential equipment and/ or resources. What your Troop or Unit requires very much depends on where you meet, which section you are and if you are a lone section or part of an existing Scout Group where equipment may already be available.
When to apply?
The deadlines for applications this year are:
- 1st March
- 1st June
- 1st September
- 1st December
How do I apply?
For full information, application forms and guidance notes, please find various downloads on the right hand side of this page.
Applications should be sent to: Scottish Headquarters, The Scout Association, Fordell Firs, Hillend, Dunfermline, KY11 7HQ.
If you have any questions about the CashBack for Communites Small Grants Scheme, please contact Scottish Headquarters by emailing Scouts Scotland or calling 01383 419073.