Sea-Changers Scottish Learning Fund
Sponsored by the
The aim of the new Scottish Learning Fund is to enable early-stage and / or small community-based groups in Scotland who are involved in marine conservation activities to learn, share knowledge, network and develop skills with other groups.
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There are many examples of marine conservation good practice in Scotland. We want to enable organisations to learn and seek advice from one another, share good practice, network and jointly develop skills. We recognise that in-person learning and networking can accelerate the development of community projects and the spread of such good practices. However, travel between Scotland’s coastal communities, particularly those of the Highlands and Islands, can be prohibitive for small voluntary and community groups - we seek to address those challenges with this fund.
The Fund totals £11,000 and is made possible by a single donation to Sea-Changers by the William Grant Foundation.
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About the fund
Who can apply
We welcome applications from a wide range of organisations including charities, ‘not-for-profit’ organisations and community groups with a focus on marine conservation. We envisage at least two groups to be involved in each project - a provider and one or more beneficiaries.
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The beneficiary/ies of the learning must be based in Scotland but the organisation providing the learning doesn't need to be - for example, a community beach cleaning group in Northern Ireland with expertise in recycling ghost gear could apply to run a webinar for one/more groups in Scotland. However, we expect that the fund will mostly be used by Scottish projects to visit and learn from examples of good practice elsewhere within Scotland.
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Either the provider or the beneficiary can apply.
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When you can apply
The fund is always open - you can apply any time.
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How we'll assess applications​
We'll use the following criteria to assess applications:
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Clear learning, knowledge-sharing and/or skills development outcomes.
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Evidence that partners have a community or grassroots base.
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Value for money.
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Minimisation of the project's carbon footprint if travel is involved.
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What can you apply for
Grant requests should not generally exceed £750. Costs that may be covered by the fund include, but are not limited to:
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Travel - limiting carbon footprint when possible - avoiding air travel and using public transport (standard class).
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Accommodation.
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Subsistence costs (capped at maximum £25 per day).
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Seminar costs.
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Online learning and sharing:
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Example: Developing a video case study to share with other groups.
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Example: Costs associated with hosting an online learning event or webinar.
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Successful grantees will be expected to share proof of expenditure and complete a brief feedback form on the learning outcomes and proposed next steps as a result of the learning.
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How to apply for funding
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The fund is always open - you can apply any time.
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Check the eligibility criteria.
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Complete the Scottish Learning Fund application form.
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Return the application form to info@sea-changers.org.uk. You will receive an acknowledgement of your application with details of timescales and what happens next.
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When the grant panel has made their final decision, we will and inform you of the outcome of your application. ​