Friends of Girlguiding Scotland New Unit Grant

Thanks to generous support from Friends of Girlguiding Scotland (FoGGS), new and re-opening units can now apply for the Friends of Girlguiding Scotland New Unit Grant of up to £250. Download a copy of the criteria listed below.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Units will only be considered for funding once they have been set up on GO.
• Units must apply within 90 days of their first meeting taking place. Applications will be accepted up to 3 months in advance of the unit opening as long as there is evidence of girls waiting to join the unit on GO.
• Re-opening units may also apply if the unit was closed on GO for at least 12 months.
• New units that have already received funding from the Good Guiding Fund in 2023/2024 will not be eligible for this grant.
• New units eligible for Generation CashBack support will not be eligible for this grant.
• You do not need to have set up the unit bank account to apply for the grant – if necessary, funds can be paid into a district/division or county account while you are in the process of setting up a new account.
• You must not apply for funding to cover any items that have already been funded by other grants.
• The Trefoil Guild Starter Pack is compatible with this grant; you may apply for both provided you do not claim twice for the same item(s).
• Applicants must discuss their application with their local commissioner before submitting this form as the new unit may be able to access shared resources of equipment.

What can the funding be used for?

The Friends of Girlguiding Scotland New Unit Grant is available to help new units get started and covers essential items only. The grant can cover:

• First aid accessories/ kits
• Equipment to help unit administration (including stationery, printers and ink)
• Promise badges for Leaders and girls (it cannot be used to buy any other badges)
• Age-appropriate set-up equipment such as craft materials, sports equipment and games
• Programme and support resources including badge books
• Guiding wear for leaders, unit helpers and young leaders (1 item per volunteer, to a maximum of £25 per person)
• Training costs to enable leaders to attend 1st Response, A Safe Space or relevant programme trainings

What is not covered by the grant? 

• Girlguiding subscriptions or local joining fees
• Rent
• Uniform for girls
• Other items considered non-essential for the initial running of the programme such as welcome bags, birthday cards, digital cameras, laminators, IT equipment, flags or flag items and dolls
• Training costs not listed above
• Single items which account for a large proportion of an allowance, such as parachutes, camping or holiday equipment.

Application process

• The unit leadership team should discuss the application with their commissioner before submitting the application form.
• Submit the completed form by emailing it to funding@girlguiding-scot.org.uk.
• Once the application is received at Scottish Headquarters, it will be reviewed by the Membership Development and Growth team. We’ll aim to let you know the outcome of your application within 4 weeks. Please look out for emails from funding@girlguiding-scot.org.uk during this time and check your junk folders regularly.

Download the application form

If we’re successful, what will be expected in return?

• Units in receipt of this grant must complete a short evaluation form after 6 months to confirm the funding has been used in accordance with their application. Failure to complete this form may result in the unit being refused further funding from Girlguiding Scotland.
• Funded items should be purchased from Girlguiding Scotland shops or depots where possible.
• Successful applicants must retain receipts for items purchased with grant monies as they will be needed for the unit accounts and to complete the 6 month evaluation form.
• Units may be contacted to take part in promotional activities to help encourage other units to apply for the fund.