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?

Note: the Rural Action Fund is currently closed for applications.

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?

Note: the Rural Action Fund is currently closed for applications.

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.