Funding & Sponsorship
Grants & Funding Schemes
Various businesses and charitable organisations offer a helping hand to voluntary groups in the form of financial assistance, which may help towards the cost of equipment, publicity, refreshments for participants or insurance cover. However, if you decide to approach a potential funder, please make clear that you are applying on behalf of your group – not on behalf of the national campaign.
You might find some of the following useful:
- BTCV offers competitively-priced insurance, discounts on training and access to grants, to members of its Community Network.
- The Biffaward has a Small Grants Scheme for projects that enable communities to improve local amenities and to conserve wildlife.
- The Voluntary Action Fund is an independent grant-making trust which invests in volunteer and community based organisations across Scotland.
- The Scottish Community Foundation makes grants to a broad cross-section of constituted groups involved in social welfare and community development activities.
- Historic Scotland provides Voluntary Sector Funding as part of its wider efforts to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment.
- The Prince's Trust Community Cash Awards are for 14-25 year olds to help set up a project that will benefit their community.
- Coalfields Regeneration Trust supports projects on the ground in coalfield communities.
See also Greenspace Scotland's website or GRANTnet for information about additional funding sources, or ask your local council whether it has a small grants scheme for environmental projects.
Sponsorship
If you decide to approach local businesses for assistance on behalf of your group, they may be willing to make a financial contribution towards the cost of your event or they may prefer to offer sponsorship in kind. Litter picking groups have previously benefited from sponsorship by companies like Shell (employee time, gloves and plastic bags), supermarkets (bottled water and snacks), and local pubs and tearooms (refreshments and shelter), so it’s always worth asking for help.
And if you find any glass Irn-Bru bottles while picking up litter, remember you could earn 30p per bottle if you wash and return them to your local outlet!
