Rural Action Fund

The Rural Action Fund supports rural community-based youth work across Scotland.

Two young people engaged in a relay reach for colourful lawn markers on a grassy field.

What is the Rural Action Fund?

The Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund is a micro-grant fund supported by The Gannochy Trust. This fund was created in response to the challenges which rural youth groups are facing in funding the delivery of community-based universal youth work. It will make small awards to enable youth groups operating in rural communities to provide more and/or better youth work opportunities for young people.

Supported by:

The Gannochy Trust logo

The Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund is open for applications from until 12 noon, Friday 24 November 2023 .

Who can apply?

Youth Scotland member youth groups which:

  • Are based in Scotland;
  • Operate in rural communities with a maximum of 2 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff members (If you have more than 2 FTE staff members for fixed periods e.g. during holidays, please contact us as you may still be eligible for funding);
  • Are universal access for all young people;
  • Can demonstrate a lack of alternative universal access provision for young people in their community (as a result of their rural location);
  • Work with young people aged between 5 to 25 years old;
  • Want to try new things, enhance existing provision or increase capacity to deliver a specific project or programme;
  • Plan to spend the grant within 6-9 months of receiving it;
  • Can provide evidence of an annual turnover less than £200,000;
  • Are applying for between £100 and £750. No match funding is required.

When are the application deadlines?

Applications should be received by:

  • 12 noon, Friday 24 November 2023.

What happens after I apply?

Once we have received your application, we will review this to make sure all the information we need is included. Applications will be considered by a Grants Panel and we aim to let you know whether you have been successful within 6 weeks of the deadline.

  • Equipment and programme materials.
  • Longer-term programmes of activities.
  • IT equipment to enable digital engagement of young people and delivery of online activities.
  • Video-calling licences.
  • Data bolt-ons/top-ups for young people.
  • One-off events.
  • Venue hire.
  • Travel costs to an activity.
  • Promotional material.
  • Specialist tutor/facilitator costs e.g. art tutor, sports coach, dance tutor, film–maker.
  • Sessional youth work staff costs.
  • Membership fees and essential insurance costs.
  • Building repairs and maintenance work e.g. boiler repair (where you own or have a long-term lease on the property).
  • Hall lets.
  • Training costs for volunteers/young leaders.

 

  • Youth groups which are not currently members of Youth Scotland.
  • Activities that do not comply with Scottish Government’s public health guidance. If you are unsure whether your proposed activities comply please contact us before applying.
  • Salary costs of existing staff.
  • Youth groups with an annual turnover of £200,000+ per year.
  • Uniformed youth groups.
  • Building upgrades e.g. new toilet
  • Activities which take place outside of Scotland.
  • Projects and activities which incorporate the promotion of political or religious beliefs.
  • If you are currently in receipt of funding directly from The Gannochy Trust, please contact us before applying.

Application documents

Please download the application form and use it with the guidance pack to make your application. You can find a copy of the required reporting form below too.

Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund - Application Form and T&Cs 2023
DOCX, 2 MB
Download
Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund - Guidance Pack 2023
DOCX, 2 MB
Download
Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund - End of Project Form 2023
DOCX, 2 MB
Download