Where to apply for external funding
Grants and funders you could apply to
Here are some examples of grants and funding you could apply for to support guiding in your area.
The funders listed on this page provide grants for local community groups like Girlguiding units. You’ll find a summary of key information for each funder, but do check their website for further information on eligibility and how to apply.
We’ll keep this information updated when new funding pots open. If you’d like to reach out for support, or if there’s a funding pot you think we should know about, please reach out via [email protected].
General funding
Such as equipment purchases and some running costs.
Alec Dickson Trust
Grants of up to £500 for groups of young people (aged 30 and under) who enhance the lives of others through voluntary service.
Forte Charitable Foundation
Single year grants between £2,000 and £10,000 for core costs, salaries, running and project costs. Units in the 15% most deprived urban areas, and in the 50% most deprived rural areas would be eligible. Find out how to check your eligibility.
Leslie Sell Charitable Trust
Leslie Sell Charitable Trust provides grants within guiding and scouting. Grants range between £75 and £1,000. Please allow at least a minimum of 4 months for applications to be processed.
Matthew Good Foundation
Grants between £2,000 and £5,000 are available for local charities who can demonstrate an impact on their local community.
Morrisons Foundation
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for local voluntary or community organisations and charities across the UK. This scheme is currently closed but we expect this to reopen in late spring or early summer 2026.
Million Acts of Hope
Grants between £400 and £800 for community groups in their priority areas, with the aim of spreading hope, kindness and cohesion in communities.
One Stop Community Partnership Programme
Grants of up to £1,000 for local community groups near One Stop stores. There is also further support available from the store on a partnership basis following this initial grant.
Scotmid community grants
Grants of around £500 for community groups based near branches of Scotmid. These grants support one-off events or equipment purchases rather than running costs or travel costs. An application should be made 8 weeks before the money is needed.
Tesco Stronger Starts
Tesco Stronger Starts selects local community groups to be part of their in-store tokens vote every 3 months. Up to £1,500 is available, and can be used for a range of different project types.
Warburtons Community Grants
Up to £400 is available for community groups in England, Scotland and Wales. Decisions are made on a quarterly basis – they aim to let applicants know an outcome within 6 weeks of submitting an application.
Yapp Charitable Foundation
Grants of up to £10,000 to support services who deliver activities in areas of high deprivation, help improve the lives of disadvantaged people, and show effective use of volunteers.
Grants for adventure and trips
Andy Fanshawe Memorial Trust
The Andy Fanshawe Memorial Trust funds UK-based experiences for disadvantaged young people to develop existing adventure skills.
Henry Smith Foundation – Holiday grants
Grants between £500 and £3,000 are available for children 13 and under to take trips of 1 – 7 days within the UK. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip will take place.
Leslie Sell Charitable Trust
Leslie Sell Charitable Trust provides grants within guiding and scouting. Grants range between £75 and £1,000. Please allow at least a minimum of 4 months for applications to be processed.
Pawprint Trust
The Pawprint Trust supports trips and equipment for away-from-home adventure. Applicants must be aged 11-25 (inclusive) at the time of the project and be a resident in the UK.
RDC Foundation
Grants to support young people to take part in adventure. They fund individuals planning adventurous activity but also groups who want to purchase equipment. Applications are reviewed every 3 months.
Grants for buildings
ASDA Local community spaces fund
Grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 for repairs or renovations to community spaces. This funding supports community groups in providing a space for people to meet and be together.
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Bernard Sunley Foundation provides grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 to support capital projects, including refurbishment of guiding halls. They accept applications all year round, on a rolling basis.
