Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can apply for a grant?
  2. How do I apply for a grant?
  3. Are applications accepted throughout the year?
  4. When should I apply for a grant?
  5. Can I get funding for UK trips as well as overseas adventures?
  6. Will grants cover the full cost of the trip, equipment, start-up, event or building?
  7. Can I receive a grant for activities and trips not involving the Scouts or Guides?
  8. How long do applications take to process once they are received?
  9. Do you acknowledge receipt of applications?
  10. Are some applications rejected?
  11. How often can we apply for a grant?
  12. Paying grants?
  13. Are any other grants available through the Trust?

  1. Who can apply for a grant?

    Applications are accepted from Groups only of the Scout or Guide movement within the UK and Northern Ireland for trips or projects which are being undertaken within the movement.

  2. How do I apply for a grant?

    Please complete an application form for UK or overseas trips or for grants for new start-up Scout or Guide units, replacement of camping or other equipment, one off events or small scale building works, repairs or alterations to huts etc.

    Please note – The Trust will only consider applications for small scale building works where the total value of the works does not exceed £20,000 in cost.

    Applications for trips

    For Group Trips we need details of the destination, the number and names of the young people and leaders taking part, any planned activities, together with the costs involved and the dates of travel.

    Where there are a number of individuals from any one group going on the same trip, we ask that the Group Leader submit an Application Form on behalf of the participants, together with a list of the persons included in the application.

    Applications for equipment, start-up groups, one off events and small scale building works

    We require a letter on headed Guiding or Scouting note paper outlining the details of the project which requires funding, a copy of any quotation you may have, together with any further information as appropriate.

    Applications are usually treated sympathetically provided they are connected to the Scout or Guide movement and the application is for trips or projects within the movement.

    Please provide a stamped, self addressed envelope with your application. This is to help keep the administration costs of the Trust as low as possible.

  3. Are applications accepted throughout the year?

    Yes. We process a batch of applications once per month throughout the year. Generally, these are processed in the date order they are received. However, at times of high demand, applications may be processed by the date of the trip or event due to take place.

  4. When should I apply for a grant?

    As soon as you have all the relevant information relating to your proposed trip, event or other appeal, send in your completed application form and accompanying paperwork.

    Please note the Trustees are unable to consider applications for trips or events submitted within four months of your proposed departure or event date due to processing times.

    Please note the 4 month window starts from the date the application is actually received by The LSCT.  Our offices are closed from 1.30pm on a Friday and re-open at 10am on a Monday morning (unless it is a bank holiday).  Any applications received out of office hours will be date stamped as received the next working day.

     

    The Trust is unable to process grants retrospectively.

  5. Can I get funding for UK trips as well as overseas adventures?

    Yes. Funding is available for both UK based and overseas trips. We request an application form is submitted as soon as all the details for the proposed trip have been received.

  6. Will grants cover the full cost of the trip, equipment, start-up, event, or building?

    No. The Trust tries to assist as many groups and individuals as possible and our funds are limited. Therefore a grant is generally given as a portion of the required total.

    Grants range between £75 and £1,000 depending on the grant category the application relates to.

  7. Can I receive a grant for activities and trips not involving the Scouts or Guides?

    No. The Trust was originally set up by Mr Leslie Sell who had been a Scout for the whole of this life, from the age of 10 until he died at the end of 1987, aged 87. In addition to his active involvement in the Movement, he set up this Trust Fund to help both Scout and Guide Groups financially. Therefore we give grants only to those involved within the Guide or Scout movement to which he dedicated his life.

  8. How long do applications take to process once they are received?

    This depends on the number of applications the Trust receives, however, we ask you to allow at least a minimum of three months for applications to be processed.  There are occasions, particularly during the early part of the year when this time scale is not practical due to the number of applications received by the Trust.  Processing times vary depending on level of demand. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants.

  9. Do you acknowledge receipt of applications?

    No. Due to the number of applications the Trust receives, it is not possible to acknowledge receipt of applications.  However, if you wish to check we have received your application, you may contact us via email at admin@lesliesellct.org.uk or by telephone 01727 843 603.

  10. Are some applications rejected?

    Yes. On some occasions, applications are rejected. The main reasons are:

    • the appeal for a grant is being made within four months of the departure or event date.
    • the trip or project is not part of the Scouting or Guiding movement.
    • some projects are simply too large for the Trust to consider.
    • in times of exceptionally high demand for funding, we have to turn down a small number of applications due to a lack of funds.

  11. How often can we apply for a grant?

    The Trustees will consider only one application, per year for a grant, in order that the Trust can assist as many groups as possible.

  12. Paying grants

    If your application is successful, please note the following:

    The Trust will make cheques payable only to the Group you are attached to, or representing and NOT to individuals.  Please ensure the Group name you supply is the same as the account name recognised by the Bank.

    The Trust is starting to make payments by BACS transfer and where possible will endeavor to do so. Otherwise, payment will be made by cheque.

    The application form asks for the Group bank details to be supplied on the Group’s official headed notepaper and signed by 2 of the following: Group Treasurer, Group Chair, Group Leader.

  13. Are any other grants available through the Trust?

    The Trust also offers The Peter Sell Award. This is an award of up to a total of £5,000 given to a Scout or Guide group(s) with the aim of the award to widen engagement in the Scout or Guide movement. The Peter Sell Award is intended to cover something different to the normal range of grants made by The Leslie Sell Charitable Trust. Further information on the award criteria can be found under The Peter Sell Award heading.