Family Support Fund
About the Family Support Fund
Thanks to the generous donations of Scouts NSW supporters, the Family Support Fund aims to support youth members in financial hardship to access subsidised membership fees to enable them to enjoy the benefits of Scouting without financial barriers.
Scouts know it can sometimes be challenging for families to afford extracurricular activities for their children due to financial hardship. Assistance is limited to those families and youth members genuine need of financial assistance, unfortunately “rising cost of living” is not an eligible reason to apply.
Financial support can be requested for any young person, aged 5 to 18 years residing in NSW to assist with their membership fees for a period of up to 12 months. It is also available for NSW Rover Scouts who are not yet financially independent and in genuine need of financial assistance.
The Family Support Fund is run wholly for the benefit of successful applicants and 100 per cent of funds donated are distributed to families (apart from any corpus that might be established).
Donations to the fund through Scouts NSW of $2 and over are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate and help families in need enjoy the life changing benefits of Scouting, click here.
Donate to the Family Support Fund
Applications opening soon - check back for the link to apply.
Applicants are asked to provide contact details, information on your financial situation, assistance from your Group/District and Region, and your involvement within the nominated Scout Group. If you have any questions regarding an existing application, you can get help by emailing FSF@nsw.scouts.com.au.
Applications will take approximately two weeks to process and an outcome will be advised by email.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any current or prospective member of Scouts NSW aged 5-18 is welcome to apply, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications will be assessed on genuine financial hardship and unfortunately, general cost of living is not an eligible reason.
Are applications confidential?
Applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and only the Family Support Fund Management Committee and your Group Leader will have access to your information.
If successful, what fees does the fund cover?
The Family Support Fund covers the cost of state membership fees only. The fund does not cover the cost of Group fees, optional activities or the cost of uniforms.
If approved, financial support is provided for a fixed term of up to 12 months. If you find you still need assistance at the conclusion of the period, you are welcome to reapply.
Can I apply as a Leader?
No, the Family Support Fund is for youth memberships only, as Leader membership fees are paid by your Group. If you are a trainee Leader you may consider YLDP or as options to support with the cost of completing your training
What fees does the fund cover?
The fund covers state membership fees, and it does not include the cost of Group fees, optional activities, uniforms, or camps.
Will I know which members are receiving financial support?
Yes, Group Leaders will be made aware of individuals within their Group receiving financial support through the fund.
What if a family can’t afford a uniform or activity fees?
If a family requires financial support for additional costs, such as optional camps or their uniform, we recommend the Group Committee discuss opportunities within the group such as fundraising to provide additional support.
