International Fund
Applying for Grants for International Experiences
Applying for Grants for International Experiences
The International Fund is a grant-giving fund created to help more young people and volunteers across South Ribble Scouts experience the adventure of international Scouting. Whether it’s attending an overseas Jamboree, taking part in global programmes, or connecting with Scouts from around the world — this fund exists to help make it happen.
The fund brings together donations, bequests, fundraising, and reserves built up through past international experiences. It’s all about opening doors for our members and ensuring these life-changing opportunities are open to everyone.
Scouting is all about building skills for life — and that includes helping young people explore global issues, understand different cultures, and see the world from new perspectives. We are a global movement, and we want every young person in South Ribble to feel part of that bigger picture: making new friends, celebrating diversity, and taking action on the things that matter most — like climate change, peace, and equality.
All our Top Awards encourage young people to engage with the world beyond their local community. Taking part in an international experience is one of the best ways to support this growth. It’s how we stretch horisons, build empathy, and inspire young people to shape a better future — for themselves and for others.
That’s why it’s strategically important for the South Ribble Scouts Board of Trustees to support high-quality international experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. We recognise that cost, or the perception of cost, can be a barrier — and through the International Fund, we’re working to remove those barriers so that more young people and adult volunteers can take part in these powerful, perspective-shifting experiences.
We want every young person in South Ribble to have the chance to explore the world, broaden their horizons, and connect with Scouts from across the globe. we believe that cost should never be a barrier to adventure. If you’re a young person, volunteer, or parent/carer worried about the cost of trips or experiences. Here’s the kind of international experiences we can help support:
Any member of South Ribble Scouts with a particular financial or additional need can apply; (financial need is defined as the difference between what it costs to attend and what the applicant can afford to pay or reasonably be expected to fundraise).
If you’d like to apply for financial support, just fill in the form below. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible — the sooner we receive it, the better.
All applications are reviewed by our District Trustee Board, which meets every quarter. You can find upcoming meeting dates on the South Ribble Scouts website. To make sure your request is considered in time, please submit it at least two weeks before the meeting date. Unfortunately, we’re not able to award grants after an event has already taken place.
Once your application has been reviewed, we’ll let you know the outcome — usually within two weeks of the panel meeting. We’ll be in touch by email as soon as we can.
West Lancs Scouts offers financial assistance to help make sure everyone has the opportunity to take part. Whether it’s a camp, international trip or leadership role, we want to support you in saying yes to more Scouting. For confidential advice, please get in touch with Chris Lomas, Deputy Lead Volunteer.
An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.
Find out more