Applications opening soon - check back for the link to apply.

Applicants are asked to provide contact details, information on your financial situation, 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.

Applicants wishing to apply should make themselves aware of the criteria below, prior to commencing an application.

• Recipient must be aged 5-18, residing in NSW, and either a current member or wishing to become a new member of Scouts NSW. If aged under 18, application must be submitted by a parent/carer on behalf of youth member
• Must be experiencing genuine financial hardship
• Endorsement from your Group Leader is required
• Successful applicants may be asked to share how the Family Support Fund has a made a positive impact on their lives. A simple explanation of 100 words shared twice a year (six months) is sufficient. This information will be shared with our donors but identities of recipients will not be divulged

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. 

Please note, the application must be completed by an adult; typically the parent or guardian of the youth member requesting funding.

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 mnths. If you find you still need assistance at the conclusion of the period, you are welcome to reapply.

We have multiple children in our family, can we all apply?
Yes, multiple children from the same family are able to apply. Each youth member must have a unique form submitted.

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 Young Leader Development Program (YLDP) as an option to support with the cost of completing your training.

What fees does the fund cover? 
The fund covers state membership fees (up to $290 per member, per year), and it does not include the cost of Group fees, optional activities, uniforms, or camps.

What does a Group Leader have to do?
After a new application is submitted, a Group Leader will receive an email where they can add their endorsement via the approve/decline button.  Note the Group Leader does not make the final determination, however is an important contributor to the understanding of personal circumstances of the applicant.

Will I know which members are receiving financial support?
A Group Leader will be notified of any applicants within their Group, as well as successful/unsuccessful outcomes. It is expected that a Group Leader treats this information confidentiality.

Does this impact my Group fees?
No. The fund provides financial assistance for the state fee component only, and therefore your Group fees are still paid for by the member.
If a Group chooses to do so, they may consider fundraising or other discounts for particular members in regards to their Group fee component, at their discretion. 

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.